History

A legacy was born in 1971 when the Beta Xi Chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon was chartered by the Sales and Marketing Executives of New Orleans at Louisiana State University. For nearly 35 years, the chapter has focused on the purposes of Pi Sigma Epsilon: to promote, to instill, to create, to bring together, to encourage and to stimulate the principles of sales and marketing in order to offer its members opportunities, including continuing education, professional networking, programming and friendship. Since its inception, this chapter has endured great successes and near failure, but has never ceased to continually strive to be named Lewis F. Gordon Top Chapter. Facing near extinction in 1999, with only five members, many believed that the 1999 class would be the last. Yet it has been such challenges and obstacles that have strengthened the chapter and defined the Beta Xi character. Those five members proved the naysayers wrong and rebuilt the Beta Xi chapter into one of the leading organizations on the campus of LSU, a consistent Lewis F. Gordon top chapter competitor and one of the most successful chapters in the PSE nation.

The Beta Xi chapter once again had obstacles to overcome after the tragedy of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita not only devastated the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, but seriously affected many members of the chapter. Many members suffered severe damage to their homes and property, while some even lost their homes completely. It was an emotional year, full of heartache, but also filled with triumph. Through all of the tough times, the chapter remained united and supported each other in the way only a fraternal organization could. We use this tragedy as a glowing example of the strength of our chapter.

It is because of the perseverance and dedication of some two thousand students, professionals and educators, that the Beta Xi character is still alive today. The Beta Xi chapter still fights to maintain this legacy and hopes to attain Pi Sigma Epsilon’s highest honor and join the Beta Xi members from 1992 and 1997 in winning the Lewis F. Gordon Top Chapter Award each year. The Beta Xi chapter has been recognized on campus, in its community, regionally and nationally. The number of awards that the Beta Xi chapter has won at National Convention has been tremendous over the last few years. This serves as a continuing reminder that this chapter remains one of the most successful chapters in the nation and motivates the members to continue to work hard. Members of Beta Xi do not just meet expectations, they exceed them.